Commissary Fire Update (Santa Fe National Forest)

Summary: The lightning-caused Commissary Fire on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District remains at 1,700 acres. The fire continues to burn in larger dead and down fuels. With a 50% chance of precipitation forecasted for today and tomorrow, crews will continue with chipping and piling operations around the perimeter.

The Commissary Fire is located 13 miles east of Pecos, NM, and two miles south of Barillas Peak. Fire managers have been managing the fire for resource objectives, including improving wildlife and range habitat, encouraging regeneration of aspen, and improving watershed and overall forest health.

Public recreational areas on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District are not affected by the Commissary Fire and are open. Although there are no road closures around the fire, the public is asked to avoid recreational activities in the areas around Barillas Peak and Forest Roads 66 and 83. There are currently no fire restrictions in place for the holiday weekend; however, visitors are reminded that fireworks are always prohibited on national forest lands.

Road Advisories: Public traffic is highly discouraged on Forest Roads 83 and 66 due to heavy firefighter traffic and narrow road conditions. Caution is also advised while driving from lower Colonias north on Forest Road 83.